LTTE 'DPU' under attack

SF Unit Day. Source defence.lk

On Binara Full Moon Poya day on the 14th of September, an LRRP team from Squadron 4 Special Forces was on the hunt for an LTTE Recce Team Leader in Mulaitivu. The group was lying in wait for the target near the Nedunkerni-Mulaitivu road.

Although it is customary for LTTE senior leaders to travel in double cabs, Pajeros and Land Cruisers, no such vehicle was in sight. On occasion, they would also travel on motorcycles, vintage cars and sometimes even in ambulances. As time passed, the team was wondering whether their target was going to show-up or whether the intelligence they had received was accurate.

Finally their patience paid-off. A man riding a motorcycle was heading towards them. He was clearly in disguise, but the LRRP team were fully briefed of his appearance. The LRRP team swung into action detonating a roadside bomb killing the man on the spot. Immediately, LTTE communication sets started crackling, inquiring what the explosion was. But by then the LRRP team was long gone.

This is how Ratha Regiment Deep Penetration Unit leader for Mulaitivu, 'Lt. Colonel' Ilamparuthi was killed. 11 days later, one of his deputies, 'Lt. Col' Nadesan was gunned down while attempting to breach the SLA FDL at Andankulam North. Ilamparuthi and Nadesan were exposed when an elaborate plan to infiltrate SLA areas from Weli Oya was foiled. Since then, the Special Forces have been on their trail.